Method for receiving and storing reagent packs in an instrument

An automated method for performing an amplification reaction, the method comprising:

• a) combining a fluid sample together with one or more amplification reaction reagents in a reaction receptacle using a first automated pipettor, thereby forming a reaction mixture;
• b) inserting a receiving end of a probe of the first automated pipettor into an open top end of a cap, such that the probe of the first automated pipettor engages the cap in a frictional fit;
• c) while the cap is engaged by the first automated pipettor in a frictional fit, inserting a lower portion of the cap into an open end of the reaction receptacle, thus forming a capped reaction receptacle containing the reaction mixture, wherein the capped reaction receptacle is attached to the probe of the first automated pipettor;
• d) with the first automated pipettor, transporting the capped reaction receptacle attached to the probe of the first automated pipettor to a first access port at a fixed first location of a centrifuge;
• e) at the first access port, ejecting the capped reaction receptacle from the probe of the first automated pipettor, thereby placing the capped reaction receptacle in the centrifuge;
• f) subjecting the reaction mixture to centrifugation;
• g) after step f), removing the capped reaction receptacle from a second access port at a fixed second location of the centrifuge different from the first location and placing the capped reaction receptacle in a thermal cycler;
• and
• h) in the thermal cycler, subjecting the reaction mixture to one or more temperature cycles.